- Gardeners should begin planning their gardens now, considering factors like sunlight, soil quality, and companion planting.
- The Bedford Flower and Garden Club and the Monroe County Library System are offering gardening workshops throughout February, March and April.
- The Monroe County Library System has a seed library where gardeners can get free seed packs.
MONROE COUNTY — Spring begins March 20, which is just over six weeks away. It’s now time to start planning this year’s home gardens.
“Vegetable plans are good to think about now, when it’s too cold to do anything outdoors,” said Ned Birkey, local farmer and Michigan State University educator emeritus.
Birkey offers some home gardening planning tips. Also learn about home gardening workshops coming up. The first one is Feb. 5.
What should I consider now?
“Think about the amount of sunlight the garden area gets, the color/quality of the soil, any previous use of the soil and herbicides, companion plantings and ways of keeping pests or varmints out,” Birkey said. “Think about flowers, some of which help repel insects.”
“Those more serious gardeners will think about where to rotate vegetables to minimize disease persistence of the leftover plant material in the soil,” Birkey said.
What’s a tip for more advanced gardeners?
“Companion planting is a good way to better utilize limited space, allow two-or-more crops growing together for nutrient, pest control and synergistic benefits. This is an extensive topic itself, better reserved for really serious gardeners,” he said.
What crops should I plant?
Birkey identified the “10 healthiest fruits and vegetables that people can grow in a home garden” from “The Old Farmer’s Almanac.”
In no particular order, they are: broccoli, kale, garlic, spinach, bell pepper, zucchini, summer squash, green beans, tomatoes, blueberries and strawberries.
“Most of these do not take up a lot of space,” Birkey said.
Other healthy crops include carrots, winter squash, watermelon and legumes like peas, white beans and edamame, Birkey added.
Bedford Flower and Garden Club meets monthly at the Bedford Branch Library, 8575 Jackman Road in Temperance. New members are welcome to join the club. Dues are $20 a year. Attending meetings is free.
- At its 6 p.m. Feb. 5, meeting, speakers Patti Finch and Amanda Oscar will talk about the Monarch Butterfly Conservation Project. “Come and hear what this project is all about and ways you can support these butterfly populations,” said the club’s Kathleen Masters.
- At its 6 p.m. March 5, meeting, Pete and Jill Loughney will discuss Medieval Gardening. “They will discuss the differences in what plants were grown then as compared to today and the purpose of gardens then. They will show photos of gardens they toured in the UK,” Masters said. The Loughneys are members of the Horticultural Club in Monroe, and Pete works with the vegetable gardens on the raised bed plots north of Monroe County Community College.
- Garden Planting Workshop, 1-2:30 p.m. Feb. 22, at Bedford Branch Library. “Master gardener Michele will share some useful apps, books and advice to help guide your plans,” the library system said. Graph paper, colored pencils and refreshments will be provided. To register, visit the library system’s events page.
- Milkweed for Monarch, 12:30-2:30 p.m. March 9, at Bedford Branch Library. The Bedford Monarch Conservation Committee will discuss the Monarch Butterfly. “The presentation will talk about what’s happening to the Monarch, why they are on the verge of extinction and ways that you can help change the outcome of this very special butterfly,” the library system said. “In the workshop portion of this event, each guest will be planting milkweed seeds in a milk jug to take home to plant in the spring. Milk jugs and supplies will be provided. Milk jugs can be donated to the library. To register, visit the library system’s events page.
- Seed Starting Workshop, 2-3 p.m. April 12, at Bedford Branch Library. Gardeners of all skill levels are welcome. “We’ll go over some basics of vegetable gardening, talk about different gardening resources available through your library and learn how to make biodegradable seed pots from newspaper,” the library system said. “This is a hands-on program, so please be prepared to get your hands dirty. Bring your own gloves, if you’d like. All other supplies will be provided, and attendees will be able to choose from a variety of organic, heirloom and conventional vegetables from the Bedford Branch Seed Library.” To register, visit the library system’s events page.
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Previous Coverage:Monroe County Library System offering free seeds
- The Bedford Herb Group meets from 10 a.m.-noon the third Wednesday of each month at the Bedford Branch Library. The group is for those who like to grow herbs and cook with herbs. To learn more, visit the library system’s events page.
Get free seeds
The Monroe County Library System has a Seed Library.
Seed packs are given for free at the Bedford, Maybee and South Rockwood branch libraries.
— Contact reporter Suzanne Nolan Wisler at[email protected].
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